The Solemnity of Christ the King

11-26-2023Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

The Solemnity of Christ the King reminds us that Jesus, and He alone, is our Lord and King. People who lord it over other people and who love to act like the mighty boss should remember that at the end of this life, on judgment day, we will be judged not by our success, power, wealth, or influence but by how much we extended mercy and compassion toward one another.

There are people who love to trumpet their achievements and successes, pleased with what they accomplished, loud and proud. Who loves the praise, affirmation, acknowledgment, and recognition of their status, the place of honor in gatherings, as it feeds the ever hungry ego? They annoy people around them, and they turn people off. All we can do at best is to understand them; they have an axe to grind, have something to prove, or have unaddressed needs. Christ the King reminds us that it’s not about us; it’s all about our Lord and Savior, the King of the Universe. The greatest commandment He teaches is to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. And to love our neighbor as ourselves.

The title of Christ the King highlights a paradox: He is King, yet He identifies Himself with the poor, sick, and the marginalized of society. How can He identify Himself with the needy, something unheard and unseen? Unlike many rulers who have a penchant for majestic stances and project powerful reign, command respect, and loyalty from their subjects, Christ’s kingship is the complete anti thesis. For I was hungry, and you gave me to eat, thirsty, you gave me to drink, stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you comforted me, a prisoner and you visited me. Does his ministry be wilder us; is not a King powerful and possess all things? But the Lord is not an ordinary human King: He is the King of Hearts and of Love. Sent by the Father, He teaches the most important doctrine: Love one another as I have loved you(Jn. 13:34).Every time we love the way He loved; we build His Kingdom.

It is a custom for fruit growers in Korea not to harvest everything and leave something for the birds to eat in the cold winter. This custom is worth emulating; if only everyone could be as considerate to the least, lost, last, or to the helpless and the little ones. How much more should we, who call ourselves CHRISTIANS! Let us be kind, considerate, thoughtful in words and deeds, and sensitive to God’s creation. Jesus Christ is our Lord and King. Let us find ways to serve one another the way He served us and be good stewards of creation.

In the Gospel, we also hear that the Son of Man will hand over the final and definitive justice: evil will be punished, and good will be rewarded, like separating the goat from the sheep. As I said last Sunday, God is watching us. He knows and sees everything and everyone. He keeps watch like a Good Shepherd: I will seek the lost, bring back the strayed, I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy; I will feed them with justice. (Ez. 34:16)

Next week, we start the Advent Season, and then, before we know it, it’s CHRISTMAS! This year, let us bring the true spirit of Christmas into our homes and to our loved ones and set aside something to bring about the birth of the Baby Jesus in the lives of others. As the Gospel says: Amen, I say to you, whatever you did to the least, brother of mine, you did it for Me.

My Lord and King, help me to serve you faithfully, lovingly, and joyfully. Amen.